The US Department of State has announced the ban of former governor for Nairobi County Mike Sonko and his entire family from the US.
Sonko has been banned in connection to corruption during his tenure at City Hall.
The US Department of State issued a statement on Tuesday announcing the designation of Sonko.
“The U.S. Department of State is designating former-Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Gidion Mbuvi Kioko due to his involvement in significant corruption,” the statement read in part.
According to the statement, Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for contract awards to his cronies which undermined the law and the faith of citizens in public institutions.
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“While in office, Governor Sonko solicited bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding government contracts to his associates. His actions undermined the rule of law and the public’s faith in Kenya’s democratic institutions and public processes,” the statement read.
Also banned from entry to the US is his immediate family.
“The Department of State is also announcing the designation of the following members of Sonko’s immediate family: his wife Primrose Mwelu Nyamu Mbuvi; their daughters Saumu Agnes Mbuvi and Salma Wanjiru Mbuvi; and Sonko’s minor child,” the statement continued.
Through the same statement, the US Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against graft and its support to the rule of law as well as strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
The US also pledged to continue promoting accountability in the region and the entire world.
“We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally,” the statement said.